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Judge Steps Down From Zimmerman Case

The judge presiding over the second-degree murder case against George Zimmerman stepped aside on Wednesday.

Judge Jessica Recksiedler executed an order disqualifying herself from further proceedings.

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Judge Kenneth Lester Jr. will now preside over the case.

Veteran attorney Jeff Deen said Lester is known for his quick, efficient approach to cases and should be a steadying influence on this highly publicized and emotionally charged case.

Recksiedler said in her three-page order that the "cumulative effect of the events and the totality of the circumstances provides a legally sufficient basis for this court to grant the motion to disqualify."

Chief Judge Alan Dickey said that Recksiedler's recusal does not mean she wasn't qualified to do the job.

"Even though Judge Recksiedler had to grant the motion for disqualification in this case, she is very capable of presiding over this or any other criminal case and I have complete confidence in Judge Lester as well," said Dickey.

Zimmerman's attorney, Mark O'Mara submitted a motion earlier in the week for her dismissal after Recksiedler told the court on Friday that her husband works for Mark NeJame.

"I know the powers that be in the administration are working on it," said O'Mara.

O'Mara said his main concern is that NeJame has already had conversations with members of Zimmerman's family and is now acting as a media analyst on the case for CNN.

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